engleski

Dental Erosion as a Sign of Possible Dental Neglect

Introduction: Dental erosion is a noncarious lesion characterized by an irreversible loss of dental hard tissues which causes dental hypersensitivity, pain and, in severe cases, loss of masticatory function. Dental neglect is defined as a failure of a parent or guardian responsible for a child’s care and upbringing to safeguard the child’s oral and dental health, as a part of general health. Three groups of indicators have been usually suggested as aids in the identification of dental neglect: untreated rampant caries ; untreated pain, infection, bleeding, or trauma affecting the orofacial region ; and history of insufficient continuity of care in the presence of previously identified dental pathologies. Dental erosion in children caused mostly by extrinsic sources of acids has attracted increasing attention in the dental community and may represent a potential harm to the childs oral health, well-being and harmonious development. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in primary dentition of preschool children as an indicator of potential dental neglect and determine the relationship between dental erosion, dietary and oral hygiene habits and parental education level. Materials and Methods: We investigated 199 healthy children, aged 4-5 years. Dental erosion of primary teeth was evaluated by a modified Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index. Information on risk factors such as dietary and oral hygiene habits and parental education level were obtained through the questionnaire. Results: Results showed that 78% children had evidence of dental erosion. In 51.0% of children it was confined to enamel, in 26.8% erosion extended into dentine and in 1.0% it reached pulp, without any significant difference between the genders (p>0.05). Questionnaire data indicated a correlation between dental erosion and the consumption of acidic drinks and other acidic food. There was no correlation with oral hygiene habits. With a higher educational level of parents, the prevalence of erosion in children was in decline. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental erosion in primary dentition is very high. Risk factors should be eliminated with increased involvement of oral health professionals in family strengthening programs in order to intensify the importance of parental supervision over their childrens dietary habits. Dietary aspects and dental erosion recognition should be integrated by oral health care professionals for the purpose of protecting children and prevent potential dental neglect.

Dental Erosion; Dental Neglect; Children

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